Prison Experience Research Articles

Narratives of incarcerated women in a Prison in Malawi: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn Malawi, women in prisons make up 2.7% of the total prison population. However, the experiences of women incarcerated are not well documented in the literature. We aim to describe the experiences of women incarcerated in a Malawian prison facility. We will concentrate on the qualitative findings that highlight the unique perspectives of these women, including those in which they are imprisoned alongside their children, as well as the larger implications for child welfare and prison policy.MethodsA qualitative approach using descriptive study design was used to explore the experiences of incarcerated women in prisons in Malawi. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven incarcerated women (n = 7). The interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide, and the data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis.ResultsThe following four themes emerged from the data: the burden of conviction, prison as a traumatic environment, health insecurity and perceptions regarding release from prison. Participants reported that being convicted caused significant psychosocial stress. The incarcerated women stated that they are subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. The prison conditions are poor. The nutrition is inadequate for both incarcerated women and their children. Incarcerated women look forward to their release, citing that they have been transformed and are optimistic about their new lives. Prison living made them calmer and more patient. Others express concern that the stigma of incarceration will inhibit their ability to reconnect with the community upon release.ConclusionUnderstanding women’s experiences in Malawian prisons can inform policy and improve standards of living for incarcerated women in Malawian prisons.

Opioid toxicity deaths in Indigenous people who experienced incarceration in Ontario, Canada 2015-2020: A whole population retrospective cohort study

While Indigenous people are overrepresented in Canada's prisons and in the toxic drug supply crisis, we lack data on the harms related to opioids for Indigenous people with experiences of incarceration. We aimed to examine opioid toxicity deaths in Indigenous peoples who experienced incarceration and to compare opioid toxicity mortality rates with rates for people with no incarceration. This retrospective cohort study linked correctional data for all people who were incarcerated in provincial correctional facilities and coronial data for all people who died from opioid toxicity in Ontario, Canada between 2015 and 2020. We calculated opioid mortality rates for Indigenous people who experienced incarceration and for people who did not experience incarceration using publicly available population data and calculated age-standardized mortality rates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who experienced incarceration compared with people who did not experience incarceration. Of 14,885 Indigenous people who experienced incarceration, 2% (N=242) died from opioid toxicity in custody or post-release, representing 2.9% of all opioid toxicity deaths in Ontario during this period. The crude opioid toxicity mortality rate per 100 person-years was 0.53 for Indigenous females and 0.36 for Indigenous males who experienced incarceration, compared with 0.0060 for females and 0.0132 for males who did not experience incarceration. Rates of opioid toxicity death were highest in the month post-release for Indigenous people who experienced incarceration, at 1.13 per 100 person-years. Standardized for age and compared with people with no incarceration, the mortality ratio was 81.0 (95% CI 62.1-100.0) for Indigenous females who experienced incarceration and 23.6 (95% CI 20.1-27.1) for Indigenous males who experienced incarceration. The SMRs for Indigenous and non-Indigenous females who experienced incarceration were not significantly different, at 81.0 compared with 76.4, and were significantly different for Indigenous and non-Indigenous males who experienced incarceration, at 23.6 compared with 28.5. This whole-population study identified a substantial and inequitable burden of opioid toxicity death for Indigenous people who experienced incarceration, similar to the burden for non-Indigenous people who experienced incarceration. The large burden is particularly concerning in the context of the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in correctional facilities. Focus is warranted to prevent substance use harms for Indigenous people, including through community- and custody-based interventions to support health. Canadian Institutes of Health Research through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (SMN-139150 and REN-181677).

"No penalties. No arrests. No jails": Perspectives on drug decriminalization among people who inject drugs in Sydney.

The decriminalization of drug possession in varied forms is gaining some traction around the world. Yet prospects for people with lived and living experience of drug use to influence the direction of drug law and policy reform remains bound by stigma and exclusion. This study considers the aspirations for decriminalization of people who inject drugs through 20 semi-structured qualitative interviews with the clients of the Sydney injecting centre. What does decriminalization mean for those most criminalised by drug law and policy? The study found that participants' views of what is possible for decriminalization are mediated by the same structures and experiences of criminalization, incarceration and exclusion that has disrupted their lives. Participants anticipate the need to mobilise incremental and partial changes associated with de facto models, including fines, increased police discretion (and therefore power) and treatment orders. At the same time, participants collective imaginary also exceeds the limits of a police-controlled depenalization. We document people's claims on a future drug policy that speaks to a world without criminal drug offences, punitive controls and the exclusion of people who use drugs from the policy table.

THE GROWING STRENGTH OF THE ARCH NETWORK: INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS ACROSS INSTITUTIONS AND PRISON WALLS

Abstract The ARCH network has intentionally brought together scholars from different disciplines, clinicians, lawyers, policy makers, advocates, and people with lived experience of incarceration from institutions around the globe. Too often, individuals interested in using research to advance our understanding of health and seek change in policy and practice are siloed, working independently and without the benefits of inter-professional collaboration. Importantly, most health-focused research about incarceration has been conducted at a distance, without directly engaging those who are incarcerated in the formulation of studies, analysis and interpretation, or the dissemination of findings. Given this history, members of the ARCH network conducted community-based research with people with lived experience of incarceration, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers to both identify priorities for aging research and identity barriers and facilitators to collaborating in research. We will describe how the ARCH network has created new possibilities for and understandings of collaborative research across prison walls and speak to some of the emerging research from the network. In particular, we will highlight the policy advancements, practice interventions, and community resources that have emerged from health-equity focused, collaborative, aging research on incarceration.

Narrative Study of Contemporary Greek "Big Wall Literature" Under Debt Crisis

The outbreak of the debt crisis in 2009 intensified the social contradictions in contemporary Greece, with frequent occurrences of anarchist movements and vicious social security cases. After the bank robbery in Paros, anarchist Tasos Theofilou was wrongly arrested by the antiterrorist police and imprisoned for nearly five years. After his dismissal, he wrote about his experiences in prison and made them public. The Thirty-Two Steps and other realistic works expose the judicial dark curtain of contemporary Greek jails, with the author's personal experience of the "big wall" in the background, emphasizing the extreme state and sharp contradiction of the prison that he witnessed when he was detained, convicted and served. This paper analyzes the literary narrative style of the unjust prison experience from the aspects of the literary narrative source, writing technique thought expression and explores the connotation behind the Greek "Big Wall Literature" through his works. Although the authorities claim that the debt crisis has been relieved, Theofilou's tragic narrative works still reflect his reflections on the judicial society, the source of Western politics, under the shadow of the crisis.

Ambiguous loss: The experiences of remand prisoners’ loved ones

Remand remains a particularly punitive and painful form of incarceration for prisoners, as well as their loved ones on the outside attempting to provide support. Drawing on in-depth qualitative data collected from 61 loved ones’ supporting remanded prisoners in England and Wales, this article examines how the ambiguity and unknowns associated with this form of incarceration is particularly painful. Through the unique application of Boss’s theory of Ambiguous Loss, this article contributes new knowledge about the nature, scope and resilience shown by loved ones supporting remanded prisoners, indicating where future research and policy should be focused.

“What Made Me Change”: Transformative Experiences in the Jihadist Radicalization Process

ABSTRACT Disentangling the roots of radicalization leading to violence is a worldwide challenge. Unfortunately, empirical data are scarce. Through fieldwork conducting interviews with Muslim persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in Spanish prisons, this research examines transformative experiences that may have influenced radicalization leading to violence from the 3N model and the life-course perspective lenses. PDL because of jihadist terrorism (n = 30), common criminals who carry out proselytizing work (n = 22), and non-radicals (control group, n = 64) were asked about the turning point in their lives. Their responses were coded into exclusive thematic categories following an inductive-deductive mixed approach. Jihadists and proselytizers identified experiences linking their personal identity to religion—ideological ties—as a transformative point that provided them purpose and sparked the desire for leaving their criminal lifestyle behind. Also, proselytizers referred to family-related experiences—familial ties—as a turning point which also prompted them to criminal desistance, whereas this was not mentioned by jihadists. All groups had in common the experience of incarceration as a major turning point and a moderate level of self-reported religiosity. Overall, these findings contribute to the understanding and prevention of jihadist radicalization.

Understanding Perceptions of Hepatitis C and Its Management Among People with Experience of Incarceration in Quebec, Canada: A Qualitative Study Guided by the Common Sense Self-Regulation Model.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) disproportionately affects certain sub-populations, including people with experience of incarceration (PWEI). Little is known about how perceptions of HCV and treatment have changed despite simplifications in testing and treatment in carceral settings. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with or having a history of HCV infection released from Quebec provincial prison. Interviews were guided by the Common Sense Self-Regulation Model (CS-SRM) and aimed to explore cognitive and emotional representations of HCV and coping strategies. Among the 19 participants, seven (37%) were diagnosed with HCV in prison and 14 (74%) had previously received HCV treatment. Participants' HCV illness perceptions were influenced by fear (of HCV transmission, death, and the well-being of family) and stigma (related to HCV, injection drug use, and incarceration). While some sought education and social and professional support, others self-isolated or engaged in high-risk behaviors to cope. Despite advances in HCV treatment, PWEI continue to experience various forms of stigma and fear surrounding their HCV diagnosis, resulting in delayed HCV care. These findings provide insights into how prison-based healthcare providers can better utilize HCV illness perceptions to evaluate willingness to engage in HCV care among PWEI.

"When you've been living in darkness, the light suddenly becomes frightening" - prisoners' experiences of health promotion in a Norwegian prison.

A settings-based approach to health promotion emphasizes everyday environments in shaping health. Prisons are, therefore, potentially important arenas for health promotion. However, the inherent restriction of prisoner agency presents a fundamental challenge in this regard. There is a gap in qualitative research on prisoners' perspectives on health-related topics and a need for greater understanding of health promotion within prisons. This study aims to explore male prisoners' experiences of a Norwegian low-security prison as a setting for health promotion. This study was conducted in Forest Prison, a Norwegian low-security facility for 125 male prisoners. The prison offers various amenities and activities to prepare inmates for reintegration into society. The research used semi-structured interviews with 20 diverse prisoners. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Gale et al.'s framework method. This study revealed varied prisoner perspectives on Forest Prison as a setting for health promotion. In prisoners' talk, the importance of agency was evident. Restricted agency triggered negative emotions and distrust, while extended agency fostered trust and wellbeing. Although Forest Prison provides a considerable degree of agency, some prisoners did not fully benefit from this agentic context because of disparities in resources. Initiatives across three areas of action will strengthen Forest Prison as a setting for health promotion: extending agency, empowering prisoners and developing a prison culture with positive social relationships, effective communication and information flow. The findings of this study provide theoretical insights beyond the specific context, which can serve as a basis for developing prisons as health promoting settings.

Randomized controlled trial of a pilot PrEP linkage intervention for individuals leaving incarceration in a southern state: Design and baseline characteristics.

We report baseline characteristics of a pilot intervention, PrEP-Link, which uses a community health worker (CHW) model to provide navigation to PrEP, the daily HIV preventative medication, and other medical and social services upon release from incarceration. This pilot study uses a randomized controlled trial design. The control group receives enhanced standard of care, and the intervention receives enhanced standard of care plus personalized navigation services from the CHW for up to one year. PrEP-Link is modeled after the Transitions Clinic Program, where a CHW who has lived experience of incarceration builds close relationships with individuals and community partners. After COVID-19 restrictions prevented recruitment within local jails, recruitment for this study took place in local reentry centers which house individuals as they near completion of their jail or prison sentence. Data are collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Planning and reporting was guided by the CONSORT 2010 checklist. We enrolled 80 participants between September 2021 and April 2023. Thirty-nine participants were assigned to the control group and forty-one to the intervention group. Data collected at baseline included measures of PrEP usage, HIV risk, drug and alcohol use, healthcare usage, and history of incarceration. Analysis of baseline characteristics show comparability of both demographic and HIV-related risk factors between the two arms. At baseline, participants had high clinical indication for potential PrEP benefit, particularly with respect to self-reported intravenous drug use and condomless sex. Participants responded with high PrEP acceptability within both study arms. Participants reported low preventative healthcare utilization at baseline. Barriers to accessing PrEP among the study population are significant. Results of this pilot RTC will help inform CHW lead PrEP-linkage interventions for people leaving incarceration.

Incarceration and Addiction: Women’s Lived Experiences of Deprivation

Aims: This research examined the incarceration experiences of adult women with histories of drug addiction, aiming to fill knowledge gaps regarding how these women subjectively interpret their incarceration experiences. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 formerly incarcerated women from the Northeast and Midwest United States. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the meaning of incarceration for the participants, with the deprivation model of imprisonment guiding the analysis. Findings: Women with drug addiction reported being treated differently while incarcerated because of their addiction. They experienced a lack of physical and psychosocial security, limited autonomy in health-related decisions, and diminished freedom to act and express themselves, often as a result of their mental health and drug addiction issues. Additionally, they experienced a loss of identity, stigma, and internalized stigma due to the way they were treated in prison. Conclusions: Incarceration is a critical life event that deprives women of many basic human needs, shaping their health, self-perception, and understanding of the criminal justice system. Further research is necessary to explore how the experience of incarceration impacts women’s mental health, drug addiction recovery, and overall well-being.

The Intersecting Effects of Lifetime Experiences of Homelessness and Incarceration on Cognitive Aging and Dementia Risk Factors in the United States.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) remain a pressing concern in the US, which also has one of the highest incarceration rates worldwide. Existing research has analyzed dementia risk and care among currently incarcerated and homeless populations; this paper fills a gap by examining later-life cognitive disparities facing formerly incarcerated and/or homeless individuals. Using Health and Retirement Study data (HRS; 1998-2018), we tested whether formerly homeless and/or incarcerated people had earlier onset of cognitive decline, and whether they were more likely to have modifiable risk factors for ADRD than those without such experiences. We estimated prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and self-reported ADRD diagnosis. We also used repeated observations of cognitive functioning coupled with nested nonlinear regression to examine the onset of accelerated cognitive decline. Adjusting for demographic variables, formerly homeless and/or incarcerated participants have increased odds of having risk factors for dementia, including smoking, drinking alcohol, depression, mental illness, and discrimination from healthcare providers and police. Diagnosis of MCI and ADRD were more common among participants reporting a history of incarceration or homelessness. Nested nonlinear regression revealed that previous experiences of incarceration or homelessness-alone or together-are associated with earlier onset of accelerated cognitive decline compared to those who experienced neither. This study suggests that, even if they occur earlier in life, homelessness and incarceration experiences may increase risk of poorer cognitive health in late life. Future work is warranted to understand the lifelong consequences linked to this adversity.

A life course perspective on parental incarceration and other forms of childhood adversity

Prior research on childhood adversity has revealed that exposure to multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACE) is relatively common, and that failure to consider these experiences in tandem may misattribute their effects to a single adversity. Yet attempts to isolate the effects of a given ACE are quite common, particularly in the burgeoning body of research on parental incarceration. Guided by recent theorizing in the parental incarceration effects tradition, and key insights from prior work on ACEs, the current investigation situated parental incarceration within broader contexts of childhood adversity. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we drew on person-centered analyses to consider associations between different constellations of risk, well-being, and other important life course considerations. Additionally, we centered the experience of parental incarceration to explore its prevalence across the different constellations identified and to examine its independent and interactive effects on problematic behavioral outcomes and successful adult transitions. Our findings revealed that 1) ACEs tend to cluster, 2) certain constellations may pose greater developmental risks, and 3) the effect of parental incarceration may depend, in part, on the unique set of ecological risks to which children are exposed.

Prevalence, risks and outcomes of frailty in people experiencing homelessness: secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundFrailty describes age related lowered health resilience. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are known to have poor health, with potential to become frail at a younger age. Previous estimates of frailty prevalence in PEH vary (16–55%) and remain poorly understood. This research determines the prevalence of frailty in PEH in England and explores associated factors. MethodsCross-sectional analysis of interviewer-led health needs audit survey data collected from PEH in England by Homeless Link (2015 to 2022). Adults who were homeless at time of survey or in the previous 12-months were included. A frailty index (FI) was created by (1) reviewing survey variables, (2) reaching expert consensus using modified Delphi, (3) following published guidance for FI creation (4) reviewing proposed FI, compared to existing published FIs. Input from people with lived experience of homelessness informed this process. Prevalence of frailty was calculated using the FI. Findings2288/2679 PEH were included in the analysis, 93·4% aged between 18–59 years, male:female ratio 3:1, predominantly white, heterosexual and UK nationals. Prevalence of frailty was 41·5% and pre-frailty was 43·8%. A high prevalence of frailty (23·0%) and pre-frailty (51·9%) was identified in 18–24-year-olds, which increased with age. Frailty was associated with experiences of incarceration and domestic violence (both p<0·001). Healthcare utilisation was greater amongst those who were frailer. InterpretationPrevalence of frailty in PEH is higher than reported in the comparably aged, general population and younger PEH are affected by frailty at levels typically associated with older adults. This is important because current services designed to address frailty are aimed at older, housed populations. To address frailty in this younger, homeless population, nutrition and addiction support may need consideration. Study strengths include large sample size and robust methods of FI creation. A limitation is the lack of a comparison group. FundingJD was funded by a Doctoral Research Fellowship from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), grant reference number NIHR302285. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Teaching Abolition Medicine: Best Practices for Centering Criminalized Communities in Medical Education.

Mass incarceration is a significant structural determinant of health, affecting incarcerated individuals, their families, and communities, with profound racial disparities. Health care professionals have an opportunity to reduce these inequities through abolition medicine. Abolition in health care means rewriting how doctors relate to patients labeled as criminal and is not a new checklist that can be imposed on the existing curriculum. Beyond changing individual clinical practice, abolition medicine also provides a critical framework for dismantling unjust policies. However, published medical education curricula lack an in-depth component on how to identify and disrupt medical practices designed to perpetuate inequities, and few report development alongside individuals with lived experience. In this article we explore the current state of medical education curricula as they pertain to health, incarceration, and abolition. We propose best practices for reducing health inequities for criminalized individuals grounded in our work alongside individuals with lived experience of incarceration.

Impact of Trauma on the Lives of Black Men With Multiple Arrests

A mixed-methods study was carried out to better characterize the life course experiences, with a focus on trauma, of men who had perpetrated gun violence and other violent crime, and who had multiple arrests and incarcerations. A small sample of 13 men with a history of a minimum of 12 arrests each as well as histories of gun violence, other violent crime, and incarceration was drawn from a social program providing cognitive therapy and job skills training in a major urban center. Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 and completed an in-depth interview. Results demonstrated that the participants had extraordinarily significant levels of trauma exposure but that they had minimal avowed trauma symptoms. The exception is that every participant demonstrated a clinically relevant score on the Arousal subscale (Criterion E). Participants in interviews discussed a number of characteristics of their developmental years. They described near constant exposure to traumatic events, in some cases starting from very young ages. Most participants described a personal experience of numbing or desensitization to their experiences. They described the impact of gangs on both protecting them from trauma and exposing them to trauma, and they described their subsequent experiences of incarceration. They offered recommendations for strategies to minimize violent crime in communities.

Whole of prison approach to vaccination: co-development of information materials for people living in prison

Abstract Enhancing vaccination literacy is pivotal in addressing hesitancy, especially among incarcerated populations who may lack regular access to health information, thus ensuring health equity. Supported by the European Union, the RISE-Vac project endeavours to bolster vaccine literacy, accessibility, and uptake within European prisons. To discern vaccination knowledge gaps and preferences for information dissemination, consultations were conducted with incarcerated individuals in the United Kingdom (via the Prisoner Policy Network), France, and Moldova. A total of 344 responses were garnered: 224 from the UK, 70 from France, and 50 from Moldova. In addition a focus group was conducted in the UK. The key themes that emerged were common across the 3 participating countries: views of vaccination, prior knowledge about vaccines, areas of appetite for learning, availability of reliable information, and preferred mechanism for information sharing. Participants were particularly interested in learning about the effectiveness, side effects, and manufacturing of vaccines. Their invaluable input informed the creation of educational materials, notably a brochure slated for pilot testing in European prisons and a video clip. Notably, individuals with lived prison experience were actively engaged at every phase of this initiative, ensuring its relevance and efficacy.

A DIFICULDADE DE REINSERÇÃO DE EX-DETENTOS NA SOCIEDADE: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS

The reintegration of former inmates into Brazilian society is a complex and challenging phenomenon involving a convergence of social, economic, and psychological factors that hinder their full integration. The social stigma associated with being an ex-inmate poses a significant barrier, as many face prejudice and discrimination, limiting their employment opportunities and access to support networks. Furthermore, structural barriers, such as a lack of available jobs and professional training, exacerbate the situation. A crucial aspect is the absence of adequate psychological support. The prison experience can leave deep psychological scars, and many former inmates struggle with trauma, anxiety, and adaptation issues, requiring specialized attention. The lack of effective public policies, combined with the precariousness of rehabilitation programs, significantly contributes to criminal recidivism. Many existing initiatives lack resources, continuity, and coordination across different sectors, resulting in a vicious cycle of marginalization. This paper aims to explore these issues in depth, analyzing the effectiveness of initiatives and programs implemented in Brazil in relation to the Penal Execution Law (Law No. 7.210/1984) and other relevant legislation. We propose a reflection on improvement strategies that emphasize the need for a holistic approach considering the various dimensions of reintegration. Promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion, strengthening intersectoral public policies, and implementing vocational training programs are some alternatives that could provide new perspectives for former inmates. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by former inmates and suggest pathways that could facilitate their reintegration into society, aiming for a significant transformation for both individuals and society as a whole. Social reintegration is not merely a matter of criminal policy, but a moral and social imperative that demands collective commitment to justice and human dignity.

Perceived patient navigator services and characteristics to address barriers to linkage to hepatitis C care among people released from provincial prison in Quebec, Canada

BackgroundPatient navigation increases linkage to hepatitis C virus (HCV) care following release from prison; however, little is known about the services patient navigators should provide to maximize linkage to care. We aimed to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to linkage to HCV care post-release, and to determine patient navigator services and characteristics best suited to address barriers to linkage to care among people released from prison. MethodsTen semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult (age ≥18 years) men living with chronic HCV, released from the largest Quebec provincial prison, and linked to HCV care by a patient navigator. Interviews were guided by the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) and aimed to explore the multi-level barriers and facilitators to linkage to HCV care post-release. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a deductive, thematic approach. ResultsThe median age of participants was 54 years. Barriers to linkage to HCV care included competing priorities post-release (e.g., substance use, mental health issues, unstable housing), stigma (related to HCV, injection drug use, and incarceration), and lack of transportation. Facilitators included social support, established relationships with existing healthcare providers, prior cure with direct-acting antivirals, and HCV-related health literacy and knowledge. Perceived essential patient navigator services to enhance linkage included pre-release discharge appointments, housing assistance, and facilitated transportation to HCV appointments. Ensuring a consistent, non-judgemental, and empathetic patient navigator were considered important characteristics; lived experiences of incarceration and/or HCV were not felt to be essential for a patient navigator. ConclusionsInterventions that seek to improve linkage to HCV care for people following release from prison should address many levels (individual, interpersonal, and policy) of the SEM. While people experience several competing priorities post-release, having an empathetic and consistent patient navigator, regardless of their lived experiences of HCV and/or incarceration, may improve linkage to HCV care post-release.

Contraceptive Use and Its Associations With Social Determinants of Health Among Young Adults.

Nonuse and inconsistent use of contraception in young adults can result in undesired pregnancies. Prior research on contraceptive use has primarily focused on individual influences such as attitudes, beliefs, and skills related to contraceptive use, with little consideration of the social and economic determinants. This study explored domains from the Healthy People 2030 Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework and examined their cross-sectional associations with young adults' self-reported contraceptive use (ie, any use in the past year and consistent use of contraception). Eleven measures related to 5 SDH domains were extracted from the Add Health dataset collected from 2001 to 2002 (Wave III). The final sample included 11,172 youth with a mean age of 21.88 years (SD: 1.84) and was 53.8% female. Measures associated with the past year's use of contraceptives included non-poverty status, employment, housing instability, high school graduation, enrollment in higher education, English language spoken at home, experience of civic participation, and access to primary care. For consistent use of contraception, associated measures were participants' non-poverty status, employment, high school graduation, enrollment in higher education, English language spoken at home, experience of civic participation, incarceration, and access to health care. Interventions that address social determinants of health can potentially promote contraceptive use.